By Mark Gonzales - Chicago Breaking Sports Published March 8, 2011

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Never have the White Sox seemed as focused as they were Tuesday morning during a visit by former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali and his Athletes for Hope foundation.

Ali was presented with a Sox jersey that read "Champ" with the No. 40 on the back commemorating the 40th anniversary of his championship bout with Joe Frazier.

Ivan Blumberg, CEO of the foundation, engaged the entire Sox's party on the importance of giving back to the community. The players and staff were asked about the meaning of hope, if athletes should be required to give back to the community and whether fame should play a bigger role in the impact to the community.

"The whole thing was cool because (Blumberg) gave very valid points about a lot of things, basically about doing anything you can to help -- whether it's time, money -- but it's get out there and help," A.J. Pierzynski said. "It's a message the White Sox believe in very strongly. I know I try to do everything I can to help people and it's just something that everyone should try to do, no matter what you do or how you live or what your means are. You can always try to help other people."

The foundation's founding athletes include Cal Ripken Jr., Lance Armstrong, Andre Agassi, Jeff Gordon, Mia Hamm and Ali, 69, who is stricken with Parkinson's disease and sat during most of the presentation.

Several players and staff members posed for photos with Ali after Blumberg's powerful presentation that captured the full attention of everyone who presided in the clubhouse at Camelback Ranch.

"It's impressive," Paul Konerko said. "You talk about dealing with all of mankind, and you start talking about the most famous people over the course of mankind. He's probably on the list somewhere."

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